Communication terminal device, outgoing call control method, and program

ABSTRACT

A communication terminal device is a mobile communication terminal device that carries out communication for voice calls. The communication terminal device measures an orientation and a displacement of the device itself, and determines whether or not a condition occurring when a user picks up the device in his/her hand is met. In the case where it is determined that the condition occurring when the user picks up the device in his/her hand is met, and in the case where it has been determined that the user&#39;s head area has been detected as being near, the communication terminal device specifies a voice call partner on the basis of the orientation measured before the head area was detected as being near or while the head area was detected as being near. Then, when a tap operation performed by the user is detected, the communication terminal device performs a notification processing for making a notification of the specified voice call partner, and then makes an outgoing call to the partner.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to control carried out when making anoutgoing voice call.

BACKGROUND ART

JP2002-330210A discloses a technique in which a cellular phone decideson and calls a voice call partner without a user operating an operatingunit. According to the technique disclosed in JP2002-330210A, the numberof times the cellular phone has been shaken by the user at no less thana given strength or acceleration is counted and a telephone number(speed dial number) corresponding to that number of times is called.Although not a technique pertaining to voice calls, JP2007-66180Adiscloses rendering a graphic corresponding to a movement trajectory ofa cellular phone device on a screen of the device, on the basis oftranslational acceleration acting on the cellular phone device and anorientation angle that is an angle of rotation from a referenceorientation.

SUMMARY

The operation of shaking the cellular phone according to the techniquedisclosed in JP2002-330210A is not a typical operation made during avoice call by a person attempting to have a voice call. It is thusnecessary for a user of the cellular phone to carry out an operationdifferent from a typical operation made during a voice call each times/he will make a voice call.

In light of this, it is an object of the present invention to specify avoice call partner through an operation typically carried out by a userwhen making a voice call, without the user operating an operating unit.

To solve the above-described problems, a communication terminal deviceaccording to the present invention is a mobile communication terminaldevice including: a specifying unit that specifies a voice call partner;an outgoing call control unit that calls the specified partner; ameasurement unit that measures an orientation or a displacement of thecommunication terminal device; and a proximity detection unit thatdetects when a head area of a user is near the communication terminaldevice. In the case where the head area is detected as being near, thespecifying unit specifies the partner on the basis of the orientation ordisplacement measured before the head area was detected as being near orwhile the head area was detected as being near.

In the communication terminal device according to the present invention,the specifying unit may specify the partner on the basis of a changeover time in the measured orientation.

In the communication terminal device according to the present invention,the specifying unit may specify the partner on the basis of theorientation measured at a single point in time while the head area isdetected as being near.

The communication terminal device according to the present invention mayfurther include an operation detection unit that detects a predeterminedoperation being made by the user using the communication terminaldevice, and the outgoing call control unit may make an outgoing call tothe specified partner in the case where the operation is detected.

In this communication terminal device, wherein the specifying unit mayspecify the partner on the basis of the measured orientation ordisplacement and the operation detected while the head area is detectedas being near.

In the present invention, the communication terminal device may furtherinclude: an operation detection unit that detects a predeterminedoperation being made by the user using the communication terminaldevice; and a display control unit that, in the case where apredetermined operation made using the communication terminal device isdetected, causes a partner screen indicating the partner to be specifiedby the specifying unit to be displayed in a display unit. In the casewhere the head area is detected as being near during a display period ofthe partner screen, the outgoing call control unit makes an outgoingcall to a call destination specified on the basis of an orientation ordisplacement measured during the display period.

The communication terminal device according to the present invention mayfurther include a notification processing unit that makes a notificationof the specified partner by outputting audio.

In the communication terminal device according to the present invention,in the case where the orientation or displacement meeting apredetermined condition are measured after an outgoing call to thespecified partner has been initiated, the outgoing call control unit mayterminate the outgoing call.

In the communication terminal device according to the present invention,the outgoing call control unit may not permit an outgoing call to bemade to the partner in a period when the communication terminal devicein which the outgoing call control unit is included is outputting audio.

In the communication terminal device according to the present invention,the specifying unit may vary the partner specified in the case where apredetermined orientation or displacement has been measured, inaccordance with a point in time when the measurement was made, alocation where the measurement was made, or schedule data of the user.

A communication terminal device according to the present invention is acommunication terminal device having a receiver, the device including: aspecifying unit that specifies a voice call partner; an outgoing callcontrol unit that calls the specified partner; a measurement unit thatmeasures an orientation or a displacement of the receiver; and aproximity detection unit that detects when a head area of a user is nearthe receiver. In the case where the head area is detected as being near,the specifying unit specifies the partner on the basis of theorientation or displacement measured before the head area was detectedas being near or while the head area was detected as being near.

An outgoing call control method according to the present invention is anoutgoing call control method for a mobile communication terminal device,the method including: a step of specifying a voice call partner; a stepof measuring an orientation or a displacement of the communicationterminal device; and a step of detecting when a head area of a user isnear the communication terminal device. In the case where the head areais detected as being near, in the step of specifying, the partner isspecified on the basis of the orientation or displacement measuredbefore the head area was detected as being near or while the head areawas detected as being near.

A program according to the present invention is a program for causing acomputer of a mobile communication terminal device to execute: a step ofspecifying a voice call partner; a step of measuring an orientation or adisplacement of the communication terminal device; and a step ofdetecting when a head area of a user is near the communication terminaldevice. In the case where the head area is detected as being near, inthe step of specifying, the partner is specified on the basis of theorientation or displacement measured before the head area was detectedas being near or while the head area was detected as being near.

According to the present invention, a voice call partner can bespecified through an operation typically carried out by a user whenmaking a voice call, without the user operating an operating unit.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front view of a communication terminal device according to afirst embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the hardware configuration of thecommunication terminal device according to the same embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a call destinationtable according to the same embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating the functional configuration of acontrol unit according to the same embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating processing pertaining to an automaticoutgoing call function executed by the communication terminal deviceaccording to the same embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a descriptive diagram illustrating an example of states of acommunication terminal device and a user (when using the device with aright hand).

FIG. 7 is a descriptive diagram illustrating an example of states of acommunication terminal device and a user (when using the device with aleft hand).

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a call destinationtable according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a descriptive diagram illustrating orientations measured whilea user's head area is detected as being near.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a calldestination table according to a third embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 11 is a descriptive diagram illustrating operations carried out bya user while the user's head area is detected as being near.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating processing pertaining to anautomatic outgoing call function executed by the communication terminaldevice according to the same embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating processing pertaining to anautomatic outgoing call function executed by a communication terminaldevice according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a descriptive diagram illustrating an example of states of acommunication terminal device and a user when making an outgoing voicecall.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating typical processing executed by acommunication terminal device according to a fifth embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a calldestination table according to a sixth embodiment (ConfigurationExample 1) of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a calldestination table according to the same embodiment (ConfigurationExample 2).

FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of schedule dataaccording to the same embodiment (Configuration Example 3).

FIG. 19 is a block diagram illustrating the functional configuration ofa control unit according to Variation 6 of the present invention.

FIG. 20A is a flowchart illustrating processing pertaining to anautomatic outgoing call function executed by a communication terminaldevice according to the same variation.

FIG. 20B is a flowchart illustrating processing continuing from FIG.20A.

FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating an example of a partner specifyingscreen according to the same variation.

DETAIL DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described withreference to the drawings.

First Embodiment

FIG. 1 is a front view of communication terminal device 10 according toa first embodiment of the present invention. Communication terminaldevice 10 is a mobile communication terminal device used while a userholds the device in his/her hand. In the present embodiment,communication terminal device 10 is a smartphone. Communication terminaldevice 10 has the same external appearance as a generic smartphone, andis formed in a substantially parallelepiped shape.

Communication terminal device 10 sends and receives voice for thepurpose of voice calls. Communication terminal device 10 includesmicrophone 14 and speaker 15 on a front surface side thereof. Microphone14 is a device for inputting voice to be sent. Microphone 14 is disposedin a location near the mouth of the user making a voice call. Speaker 15is a device for outputting voice that is received. Speaker 15 isdisposed in a location near the head area (and more specifically, anear) of the user making a voice call.

Communication terminal device 10 further includes display region 121Aand proximity sensor 18 on the front surface side thereof. Displayregion 121A is a region in which an image (a screen) of display unit121, which will be described later, is displayed. Proximity sensor 18 isprovided adjacent to speaker 15, and is a sensor for detecting when theuser's head area is near.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the hardware configuration ofcommunication terminal device 10. As illustrated in FIG. 2,communication terminal device 10 includes control unit 11, touch screenunit 12, wireless communication unit 13, microphone 14, speaker 15,accelerometer 16, gyrosensor 17, proximity sensor 18, and storage unit19.

Control unit 11 is a processor including Central Processing Unit (CPU)11A, which serves as a computation processing device, Read-Only Memory(ROM) 11B, and Random Access Memory (RAM) 11C, which serves as a workarea. CPU 11A controls the various elements of communication terminaldevice 10 by reading out programs stored in ROM 11B or storage unit 19into RAM 11C and executing those programs. Control unit 11 carries outvarious types of control for voice calls, for example.

Touch screen unit 12 includes display unit 121 and touch sensor 122.Display unit 121 is a liquid crystal display, for example, and displaysimages in display region 121A (see FIG. 1). Touch sensor 122 is a sensorprovided in a planar shape overlapping display region 121A, and detectsa user operation made on display region 121A in accordance with apredetermined system (for example, a resistive film system or anelectrostatic capacitance system).

Wireless communication unit 13 has a wireless communication circuit andan antenna, and carries out wireless communication. Wirelesscommunication unit 13 is a communication that is connected to atelephone line, which is not illustrated, and at least carries outcommunication for voice calls. Wireless communication unit 13 receivesincoming voice calls and makes outgoing calls to partners of voicecalls, for example.

Microphone 14 converts voice inputted by the user into a voice signal.Speaker 15 converts a supplied voice signal into voice and outputs theresulting voice.

Accelerometer 16 is a three-axis accelerometer, for example, and is asensor that measures an acceleration acting on communication terminaldevice 10. Accelerometer 16 is used to measure an orientation or adisplacement (movement) of communication terminal device 10. Gyrosensor(angular velocity sensor) 17 is a three-axis angular velocity sensor,for example, and is a sensor that measures an angular velocity acting oncommunication terminal device 10. Gyrosensor 17 is used to measure theorientation of communication terminal device 10.

The orientation of communication terminal device 10 at various points intime is specified on the basis of a tilt (rotation angle) from areference direction of communication terminal device 10. Thedisplacement of communication terminal device 10 is specified on thebasis of, for example, a trajectory along which communication terminaldevice 10 moves. This trajectory is specified on the basis of, forexample, a combination of a distance communication terminal device 10has moved and a direction of that movement.

Proximity sensor 18 is a sensor for detecting when the user's head areais near. Proximity sensor 18 is an induction-type or electrostaticcapacitance-type proximity sensor, for example, and detects when anobject has come within a predetermined distance. Proximity sensor 18 candetect when an object is near on the basis of whether the object is in astate of no contact or a state of contact.

Storage unit 19 has an Electronically Erasable and Programmable ROM(EEPROM) or a flash memory, for example, and stores various types ofdata. Storage unit 19 stores various types of programs such as anOperating System (OS) installed in communication terminal device 10 andprograms that run on the OS. Storage unit 19 also stores calldestination table 191 used in control pertaining to an automaticoutgoing call function. The automatic outgoing call function is afunction for specifying and calling a voice call partner without theuser operating an operating unit in order to specify the voice callpartner.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of call destinationtable 191. As illustrated in FIG. 3, call destination table 191 is atable in which call destination information and partner specifyingconditions are registered in association with each other for each voicecall partner.

The call destination information is information used for making anoutgoing voice call. The call destination information is, for example,information directly or indirectly specifying a telephone number. Thelatter type of call destination information is, for example, aregistration number for a telephone number in an address book, a speeddial number used for speed dialing, or the like. In FIG. 3, the calldestination information is expressed as a name of the voice call partner(partner A or partner B).

The partner specifying conditions include a condition of an orientationor displacement of communication terminal device 10 for specifying thevoice call partner. Here, the partner specifying condition is a patternof a change over time in the orientation of communication terminaldevice 10 and the displacement of communication terminal device 10 whenthe user uses communication terminal device 10 with his/her right handor left hand. Orientation/displacement pattern PA corresponding topartner A is a pattern occurring when the user uses communicationterminal device 10 with his/her right hand. Orientation/displacementpattern PB corresponding to partner B is a pattern occurring when theuser uses communication terminal device 10 with his/her left hand.

The partner specifying conditions are registered in call destinationtable 191 by the user, for example. In this case, the user carries outan operation when holding communication terminal device 10 in his/herright hand or left hand and makes a voice call. This operation includes,for example, an operation through which the user picks up communicationterminal device 10 with his/her hand and brings the device near his/herown head area. Control unit 11 registers the partner specifyingconditions on the basis of the change over time in the orientation ofcommunication terminal device 10 and the displacement of communicationterminal device 10 when this operation is carried out. The partnerspecifying conditions may be registered in call destination table 191 inadvance. It is assumed that there are respective characteristics inchange over time in the orientation of communication terminal device 10and the displacement of communication terminal device 10 in the casewhere communication terminal device 10 is used with the right hand andin the case where communication terminal device 10 is used with the lefthand.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating the functional configuration ofcontrol unit 11. Control unit 11 realizes functions corresponding tomeasurement unit 111, proximity detection unit 112, operation detectionunit 113, voice call control unit 114, and notification processing unit115 by executing programs. The broken line arrows in FIG. 4 indicatesignal flows in a fourth embodiment, which will be described later.

Measurement unit 111 measures the orientation or displacement ofcommunication terminal device 10 on the basis of the accelerationmeasured by accelerometer 16 and the angular velocity measured bygyrosensor 17.

Proximity detection unit 112 detects when the user's head area is nearcommunication terminal device 10 on the basis of a detection result fromproximity sensor 18. In the present embodiment, proximity detection unit112 detects that the user's head area is near communication terminaldevice 10 in response to proximity sensor 18 having detected an objectbeing near.

Operation detection unit 113 detects a predetermined operation beingmade by the user using communication terminal device 10. This operationdoes not include an operation of an operating unit realized by hardwareor software (for example, touch screen unit 12 being operated). In thepresent embodiment, operation detection unit 113 detects an operation oftapping communication terminal device 10 (on a rear surface sidethereof, for example) by the user on the basis of the accelerationmeasured by accelerometer 16.

Voice call control unit 114 carries out control pertaining to voicecalls Voice call control unit 114 includes specifying unit 114A andoutgoing call control unit 114B.

Specifying unit 114A specifies the voice call partner in the automaticoutgoing call function. In the case where the user's head area isdetected as being near by proximity detection unit 112, specifying unit114A specifies the voice call partner on the basis of the orientation ordisplacement measured by measurement unit 111 before or during thedetection of the user's head area being near (in other words, while theuser's head area is detected as being near). Measurement results of theorientation or the displacement referenced to make this specificationare, for example measurement results from a period or a point in timebased on a point in time (a timing) at which the user's head area wasdetected as being near. In the case where the measured change over timein the orientation and the measured displacement meets a partnerspecifying condition in call destination table 191, specifying unit 114Aspecifies the partner corresponding to that partner specifyingcondition.

Outgoing call control unit 114B controls outgoing calling made by theautomatic outgoing call function. Outgoing call control unit 114B callsthe partner specified by specifying unit 114A. Outgoing call controlunit 114B makes an outgoing call via wireless communication unit 13 onthe basis of the call destination information held in call destinationtable 191. Outgoing call control unit 114B makes an outgoing call in thecase where a user operation is detected by operation detection unit 113.

Notification processing unit 115 carries out notification processing formaking a notification of the partner specified by the specifying unit114A, by outputting audio via speaker 15. Notification processing unit115 outputs, for example, the partner's name or music associated withthe partner (a ringtone, for example). Notification processing unit 115need not carry out this notification processing in the case where theautomatic outgoing call function is not used and a partner has beenspecified by the user operating the operating unit.

Operations of communication terminal device 10 pertaining to theautomatic outgoing call function will be described next.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating processing pertaining to theautomatic outgoing call function executed by communication terminaldevice 10. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of states ofcommunication terminal device 10 and the user when making an outgoingvoice call.

Control unit 11 measures the orientation and displacement ofcommunication terminal device 10 using accelerometer 16 and gyrosensor17 (step S1). It is assumed that during this period, control unit 11also turns proximity sensor 18 off and does not detect whether or not anobject is near.

Next, control unit 11 determines whether or not the measured orientationand displacement meet a condition established when the user picks upcommunication terminal device 10 with his/her hand (step S2). Here,control unit 11 determines that communication terminal device 10 hasbeen picked up by the user's hand in the case where the orientation ofcommunication terminal device 10 has changed over time or communicationterminal device 10 has displaced.

Here, assume that communication terminal device 10 has been placedface-down on a horizontal table T in advance as illustrated in FIG.6(A). In this case, user U who will make a voice call first gripscommunication terminal device 10 from a rear surface side thereof usinghis/her hand (the right hand, in this case). Next, as illustrated inFIG. 6(B), user U picks up communication terminal device 10 that s/he isgripping in his/her right hand. Then, as illustrated in FIG. 6(C), userU turns the front surface side of communication terminal device 10toward him/herself. In this manner, an acceleration or angular velocityacts on communication terminal device 10 when communication terminaldevice 10 is held in the user's hand, which causes the orientation ofcommunication terminal device 10 to change over time, causescommunication terminal device 10 to displace, and so on.

Note that the condition established when the user picks up communicationterminal device 10 with his/her hand is at least that an acceleration oran angular velocity has been produced. The condition may, for example,be that the orientation of communication terminal device 10 at a singlepoint in time is a predetermined orientation (for example, an upright ornearly upright orientation). When in the upright orientation, a frontsurface of communication terminal device 10 is parallel or substantiallyparallel to a vertical direction.

Control unit 11 repeatedly measures the orientation and displacement ofcommunication terminal device 10 until it is determined that the userhas picked up communication terminal device 10 with his/her hand (stepS2; NO). In the case of a determination of “YES” in step S2, controlunit 11 turns proximity sensor 18 on and starts detecting whether or notan object is near (step S3).

Next, control unit 11 determines whether or not proximity sensor 18 hasdetected that the user's head area is near (step S4). In the case wherecontrol unit 11 does not detect the user's head area as being near (stepS4; NO), the detection performed by proximity sensor 18 is repeated.

After turning the front surface side of communication terminal device 10toward him/herself (FIG. 6(C)), user U moves communication terminaldevice 10 toward his/her own head area, as illustrated in FIG. 6(D).Upon the state illustrated in FIG. 6(D) being established, control unit11 determines that the user's head area has been detected as being nearby proximity sensor 18 (step S4; YES).

Next, control unit 11 specifies the voice call partner on the basis ofthe orientation or displacement of communication terminal device 10measured before or while the user's head area is detected as being near(step S5). Control unit 11 determines whether the user holdscommunication terminal device 10 with his/her right hand or left handand specifies the voice call partner on the basis of the measuredorientation or displacement of communication terminal device 10 and thepartner specifying condition in call destination table 191. Here, user Uholds communication terminal device 10 with his/her right hand, and thuscontrol unit 11 specifies partner A.

In step S5, control unit 11 refers to the measurement results in, forexample, a period from when it is determined in step S2 that thecondition occurring when the user holds communication terminal device 10in his/her hand (in other words, when a determination of “YES” is made)to the current point in time when the user's head area is being detectedas near. However, rather than referring to the entire period, controlunit 11 may, for example, refer to the measurement results from thepoint in time when the user's head area was first detected as being nearup until a predetermined amount of time as passed (in other words, themeasurement results immediately before the user's head area was detectedas being near). It is thought that doing so reduces the influence thestate of communication terminal device 10 before being held by theuser's hand (the position and orientation in which communicationterminal device 10 was placed, for example) has on the specification ofthe voice call partner.

Next, control unit 11 determines whether or not an operation of tapcommunication terminal device 10 by the user has been detected on thebasis of the acceleration measured by accelerometer 16 (step S6). In thecase where it is determined that the operation of tap communicationterminal device 10 has not been detected (step S6; NO), control unit 11stands by as-is.

Assume that user U has performed an operation of tap communicationterminal device 10 as illustrated in FIG. 6(E). In the case where thisoperation is detected, control unit 11 makes a determination of “YES” instep S6 and carries out the notification processing (step S7). Controlunit 11 outputs audio for making a notification of the partner viaspeaker 15. Having heard this audio, the user can know the calldestination of the automatic outgoing call function. Control unit 11 mayfurthermore carry out the notification processing for making anotification of the outgoing call by the automatic outgoing callfunction using a vibration function or the like.

Next, on the basis of the call destination information of the specifiedpartner, control unit 11 calls the partner via wireless communicationunit 13 (step S8). Here, control unit 11 calls partner A as illustratedin FIG. 6(F).

After the call is initiated, control unit 11 determines whether or notthe partner has answered (step S9). In the case where it is determinedthat the partner has answered (step S9; YES), control unit 11establishes a communication path for a voice call via the telephone lineand starts the voice call (step S10). Thereafter, control unit 11carries out control for voice calls.

In the case where a determination of “NO” is made in step S9, or inother words, in the case where it is determined that an answer from thepartner is being waited for after the outgoing call was initiated,control unit 11 determines whether or not proximity sensor 18 no longerdetects the user's head area as being near (step S11). In the case whereit is determined that the user's head area is detected as being near(step S11; NO), control unit 11 returns to step S9. In the case where itis determined that the user's head area is no longer detected as beingnear (step S11; YES), control unit 11 terminates the outgoing call (stepS12). This is because the user's head area no longer being detected asnear may mean that the user no longer wishes to make a voice call usingcommunication terminal device 10.

Note that control unit 11 turns proximity sensor 18 off after the voicecall has started or after the voice call has been terminated.

As described above, communication terminal device 10 calls partner A inthe case where the user holds communication terminal device 10 inhis/her right hand. On the other hand, communication terminal device 10calls partner B by performing the processing illustrated in FIG. 5 inthe case where the user holds communication terminal device 10 inhis/her left hand. In the case where user U uses communication terminaldevice 10 with his/her left hand, user U grips communication terminaldevice 10 with his/her left hand (FIG. 7(A)) and then liftscommunication terminal device 10 (FIG. 7(B)). Next, user U turns thefront surface side of communication terminal device 10 towardhim/herself (FIG. 7(C)), and brings communication terminal device 10close to his/her own head area (FIG. 7(D)). Next, when the voice call isto be started, user U performs the operation of tap communicationterminal device 10 (FIG. 7(E)). Communication terminal device 10 thencalls partner B as illustrated in FIG. 7(F).

As described thus far, in the case where it has been detected thatcommunication terminal device 10 has been moved near the user's headarea, communication terminal device 10 specifies the voice call partneron the basis of the orientation and displacement detected during thatperiod. Accordingly, the user of communication terminal device 10 cancause communication terminal device 10 to call his/her desired voicecall partner by carrying out a natural operation performed when holdingcommunication terminal device 10 in his/her hand, without operating anoperating unit.

In addition, communication terminal device 10 makes an outgoing call inthe case where a tap operation made by the user is detected.Accordingly, communication terminal device 10 is unlikely to make anoutgoing call at the wrong time using the automatic outgoing callfunction. Furthermore, the user need not specify a partner, instruct anoutgoing call to be made, or the like by operating an operating unit(operating touch screen unit 12, for example). Accordingly, even in thecase where the user is unaccustomed to operating touch screen unit 12,the user will feel little burden with respect to operations for startingvoice calls.

Second Embodiment

Communication terminal device 10 according to the present embodimentspecifies the voice call partner on the basis of an orientation measuredat a single point in time while the user's head area is detected asbeing near, in addition to the hand with which the user holdscommunication terminal device 10. This orientation is, for example, anorientation occurring when communication terminal device 10 makescontact with the user's head area (ear).

In the present embodiment, elements having the same reference numeralsas those in the above-described first embodiment have equivalentfunctions as those in the above-described first embodiment. The hardwareconfiguration and functional configuration of communication terminaldevice 10 according to the present embodiment is for the most part thesame as in the above-described first embodiment. However, specifyingunit 114A specifies the voice call partner on the basis of anorientation measured at a single point in time while the user's headarea is detected as being near.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of call destinationtable 191 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagramillustrating orientations measured while a user's head area is detectedas being near.

As illustrated in FIG. 8, call destination information and partnerspecifying conditions are registered in call destination table 191 foreach of partners A to D. The partner specifying conditions correspondingto partner A are specified by the same orientation/displacement patternPA as in the above-described first embodiment, and by a forward-tiltingorientation. As illustrated in FIG. 9(A), the forward-tiltingorientation is an orientation in which communication terminal device 10is tilted such that the height thereof drops as the device progressesforward, from the perspective of user U. Thus partner A is called whenuser U places communication terminal device 10 at his/her right ear inthe forward-tilting orientation. The partner specifying conditionscorresponding to partner B are specified by the sameorientation/displacement pattern PB as in the above-described firstembodiment, and by a forward-tilting orientation. Thus partner B iscalled when user U places communication terminal device 10 at his/herleft ear in the forward-tilting orientation as illustrated in FIG. 9(B).

The partner specifying conditions corresponding to partner C arespecified by the orientation/displacement pattern PA and by arearward-tilting orientation. As illustrated in FIG. 9(C), therearward-tilting orientation is an orientation in which communicationterminal device 10 is tilted such that the height thereof drops as thedevice progresses rearward, from the perspective of user U. Thus partnerC is called when user U places communication terminal device 10 athis/her right ear in the rearward-tilting orientation. The partnerspecifying conditions corresponding to partner D are specified by theorientation/displacement pattern PB and by a rearward-tiltingorientation. Thus partner D is called when user U places communicationterminal device 10 at his/her left ear in the rearward-tiltingorientation as illustrated in FIG. 9(D).

Note that the orientation of communication terminal device 10 after thecall destination has been specified need not be one of the orientationsillustrated in FIGS. 9(A) to (D), and may be an orientation at which itis easy for the user to make a voice call.

The processing pertaining to the automatic outgoing call functionexecuted by communication terminal device 10 is for the most part thesame as the processing illustrated in FIG. 5. However, control unit 11of communication terminal device 10 uses gyrosensor 17 to measure theorientation at a single point in time while communication terminaldevice 10 detects the user's head area as being near, and determineswhether the orientation is the forward-tilting orientation or therearward-tilting orientation. Although the point in time of thismeasurement may be any point in time while the user's head area isdetected as being near, the point in time is, for example, a point intime when communication terminal device 10 is closest to the user's headarea, and more specifically, a point in time when communication terminaldevice 10 makes contact with the user's head area.

In step S5, control unit 11 specifies the voice call partner byreferring to call destination table 191 on the basis of the hand used bythe user and orientation measured at the single point of time while theuser's head area is detected as being near. Other processing is the sameas that described above in the first embodiment.

According to the automatic outgoing call function described thus far,communication terminal device 10 can call a greater number of types ofpartners using the automatic outgoing call function than with theconfiguration according to the first embodiment described above.

Note that communication terminal device 10 may specify the voice callpartner on the basis of only an orientation measured at a single pointin time while the user's head area is detected as being near.Additionally, the aforementioned forward-tilting orientation andrearward-tilting orientation are merely examples of orientationsoccurring while the user's head area is detected as being near. Theorientations occurring while the user's head area is detected as beingnear may be more finely subdivided. This makes it possible to furtherincrease the number of types of partners that can be called using theautomatic outgoing call function.

Third Embodiment

Communication terminal device 10 according to the present embodimentspecifies a voice call partner on the basis of an operation carried outby the user using communication terminal device 10, in addition to thehand of the user using communication terminal device 10.

In the present embodiment, elements having the same reference numeralsas those in the above-described first embodiment have equivalentfunctions as those in the above-described first embodiment. The hardwareconfiguration and functional configuration of communication terminaldevice 10 according to the present embodiment is for the most part thesame as in the above-described first embodiment. However, specifyingunit 114A specifies the voice call partner on the basis of the measuredorientation of communication terminal device 10 and an operationdetected while the user's head area is detected as being near. Thisoperation is an operation of tap communication terminal device 10, asdescribed earlier.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of call destinationtable 191 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagramillustrating operations carried out by the user while the user's headarea is detected as being near.

As illustrated in FIG. 10, call destination information and partnerspecifying conditions are registered in call destination table 191 foreach of the partners A to D. The partner specifying conditionscorresponding to partner A are specified by the sameorientation/displacement pattern PA as in the above-described firstembodiment, and by an operation of tap communication terminal device 10once. Thus partner A is called when user U places communication terminaldevice 10 at his/her right ear and taps communication terminal device 10once, as illustrated in FIG. 11(A). The partner specifying conditionscorresponding to partner B are specified by the sameorientation/displacement pattern PB as in the above-described firstembodiment, and by an operation of tap communication terminal device 10once. Thus partner B is called when user U places communication terminaldevice 10 at his/her left ear and taps communication terminal device 10once, as illustrated in FIG. 11(B). The partner specifying conditionscorresponding to partner C are specified by the orientation/displacementpattern PA, and by an operation of tap communication terminal device 10twice.

Thus partner C is called when user U places communication terminaldevice 10 at his/her right ear and taps communication terminal device 10twice, as illustrated in FIG. 11(C). The partner specifying conditionscorresponding to partner D are specified by the orientation/displacementpattern PB, and by an operation of tap communication terminal device 10twice. Thus partner D is called when user U places communicationterminal device 10 at his/her left ear and taps communication terminaldevice 10 twice, as illustrated in FIG. 11(D).

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating processing pertaining to theautomatic outgoing call function executed by communication terminaldevice 10.

Control unit 11 first executes the processing of steps S1 to S4; next,in the case where it is determined that the operation of tapcommunication terminal device 10 by the user has been detected (step S6;YES), control unit 11 specifies the voice call partner on the basis ofthe measured orientation and displacement of communication terminaldevice 10 (here, the hand used by the user) and the detected tapoperation (step S13). Control unit 11 specifies the voice call partnerby referring to call destination table 191. Thereafter, control unit 11executes the processing steps of steps S7 to S12 according to the sameprocedure as that described above in the first embodiment.

According to the automatic outgoing call function described thus far,communication terminal device 10 can call a greater number of types ofpartners using the automatic outgoing call function than with theconfiguration according to the first embodiment described above.

Note that communication terminal device 10 may specify the voice callpartner on the basis of an orientation measured at a single point intime while the user's head area is detected as being near, as describedabove in the second embodiment, and a tap operation carried out by theuser. Additionally, the aforementioned tap operation may be carried outthree or more times. This makes it possible to further increase thenumber of types of partners that can be called using the automaticoutgoing call function. Furthermore, the strength of the tap operation,a tap operation pattern, or the like may be used instead of the numberof tap operations.

Fourth Embodiment

According to the above-described embodiments, in the case where theuser's head area is no longer detected as being near after the outgoingcall is initiated in step S8, communication terminal device 10terminates the outgoing call. As opposed to this, in the presentembodiment, communication terminal device 10 specifies an orientation toserve as a condition for terminating the outgoing call, in accordancewith the orientation of communication terminal device 10 after theoutgoing call has been initiated.

In the present embodiment, elements having the same reference numeralsas those in the above-described first embodiment have equivalentfunctions as those in the above-described first embodiment. The hardwareconfiguration and functional configuration of communication terminaldevice 10 according to the present embodiment is for the most part thesame as in the above-described first embodiment. However, in the casewhere measurement unit 111 has measured an orientation or displacementthat meets a predetermined condition (called an “outgoing callterminating condition” hereinafter) after an outgoing call to aspecified partner has been initiated, outgoing call control unit 114Bterminates that outgoing call.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating processing pertaining to theautomatic outgoing call function executed by communication terminaldevice 10. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of states ofcommunication terminal device 10 and the user when making an outgoingvoice call.

In the case where it is determined that a condition when the user holdscommunication terminal device 10 with his/her hand is met (step S2;YES), control unit 11 specifies a reference orientation (step S14). Thereference orientation is an orientation occurring before the user holdscommunication terminal device 10 with his/her hand. In the case wherecommunication terminal device 10 is stored in chest pocket P of user Uas illustrated in FIG. 14(A), control unit 11 specifies the orientationof communication terminal device 10 illustrated in FIG. 14(A) as thereference orientation. Control unit 11 causes orientation dataexpressing the reference orientation to be stored in storage unit 19.

Then, control unit 11 initiates the outgoing call in step S8, and in thecase where it is determined that there is no answer from the partner(step S9; NO), advances to step S15. Control unit 11 then measures theorientation at the current point in time (step S15) and determineswhether or not the measured orientation meets the outgoing callterminating condition (step S16). The outgoing call terminatingcondition is that the orientation measured in step S15 is the referenceorientation expressed by the orientation data stored in storage unit 19.Here, in the case where it is determined that the orientation is not thereference orientation (step S16; NO), control unit 11 returns to step S9and maintains the outgoing call state.

Then, in the case where it is determined that the orientation measuredin step S15 is the reference orientation (step S16; YES), control unit11 terminates the outgoing call (step S12). As illustrated in FIG.14(B), an outgoing call is being made by the automatic outgoing callfunction in a state where user U has placed communication terminaldevice 10 at his/her ear. When user U then stores communication terminaldevice 10 in chest pocket P, communication terminal device 10 is in thereference orientation or an orientation similar thereto, as illustratedin FIG. 14(C). Accordingly, control unit 11 terminates the outgoingcall.

The outgoing call terminating condition may include a condition asidefrom the measured orientation being the reference orientation. Forexample, control unit 11 may determine that the outgoing callterminating condition is met in the case where a change in theorientation of greater than or equal to a predetermined angle ismeasured after the point in time when the outgoing call was initiated.Alternatively, control unit 11 may determine that the outgoing callterminating condition is met in the case where a change over time in theorientation of communication terminal device 10 or the displacement ofcommunication terminal device 10 is the reverse of a change in theorientation over time and the displacement measured when there is anincoming call.

According to communication terminal device 10 of the present embodiment,an outgoing call can be terminated by detecting a natural operation madeby the user when making a voice call while holding communicationterminal device 10 in his/her hand, without the user operating anoperating unit.

Note that like the above-described first embodiment, communicationterminal device 10 according to the present embodiment may terminal theoutgoing call in the case where the user's head area is no longerdetected as being near after the outgoing call is initiated in step S8.Although the present embodiment describes a case where communicationterminal device 10 is stored in chest pocket P, the same effects can beachieved even in cases where communication terminal device 10 is storedin another location, in another orientation, and so on.

Fifth Embodiment

Communication terminal device 10 according to the present embodimentdiffers from the configurations in the above-described embodiments inthat the automatic outgoing call function is not permitted to make anoutgoing call in a period where audio is being outputted. This isbecause in such a period, it is possible that the user is using afunction of communication terminal device 10 aside from the automaticoutgoing call function.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating typical processing pertainingexecuted by communication terminal device 10 according to the presentembodiment. Communication terminal device 10 executes the processingillustrated in FIG. 15 in sequence in a period when the power is turnedon, for example.

First, control unit 11 of communication terminal device 10 determineswhether or not audio is being outputted via speaker 15 (step S21).Control unit 11 determines whether or not audio is being outputted viaspeaker 15 on the basis of a voice signal expressing voice picked up bymicrophone 14, for example. For example, control unit 11 determines thataudio is being outputted in the case where a level (a volume, forexample) of the voice signal is greater than or equal to a threshold,and determines that audio is not being outputted in the case where thelevel of the voice signal is less than the threshold. Furthermore,control unit 11 may determine that audio is being outputted via speaker15 under the condition that the voice signal expresses an electronicsound. Additionally, control unit 11 may determine whether or not audiois being outputted from speaker 15 by obtaining the voice signalsupplied to speaker 15. In this case, control unit 11 analyzes theobtained voice signal and determines whether or not audio is beingoutputted on the basis of a change over time in an audio waveform, forexample.

In the case where it is determined in step S21 that audio is not beingoutputted (step S21; NO), control unit 11 puts the automatic outgoingcall function in an on state (step S22). In step S22, for example,control unit 11 causes a permit flag, which is a flag permitting the useof the automatic outgoing call function, to be stored in RAM 11C orstorage unit 19. Control unit 11 permits a partner specified by theautomatic outgoing call function to be called during a period when thispermit flag is stored.

In the case where it is determined in step S21 that audio is beingoutputted (step S21; YES), control unit 11 puts the automatic outgoingcall function in an off state (step S23). In step S23, for example,control unit 11 causes a prohibit flag, which is a flag prohibiting theuse of the automatic outgoing call function, to be stored in RAM 11C orstorage unit 19. Control unit 11 does not execute processing pertainingto the automatic outgoing call function, and does not permit (that is,prohibits) a partner specified by the automatic outgoing call functionto be called, during a period where the prohibit flag is stored.

Here, consider a case where communication terminal device 10 makes anoutgoing call on the basis of a different voice call function from theautomatic outgoing call function. This voice call function is, forexample, executed on the basis of an application program stored instorage unit 19. In the case where this voice call function is executed,it is possible that the user will carry out operations illustrated inFIGS. 6 and 7. However, in a period where an outgoing call is made onthe basis of this voice call function and audio related to that voicecall function (a melody used when making an outgoing call, for example)is therefore being outputted via speaker 15, control unit 11 does notpermit an outgoing call to be made by the automatic outgoing callfunction.

Next, consider a case where communication terminal device 10 is playingback content (audio content or video content, for example) and istherefore outputting audio via speaker 15. In a period where content isbeing played back, it is possible that the user will perform theoperations illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7 in order to better hear theaudio from speaker 15 or the like. However, in a period where audio fromthe content being played back is being outputted via speaker 15, controlunit 11 does not permit an outgoing call to be made by the automaticoutgoing call function.

In addition to a period in which audio is being outputted via speaker15, control unit 11 may also not permit an outgoing call to be made bythe automatic outgoing call function in a period where communicationterminal device 10 is outputting audio via an externally-connectedearphone, an external device such as a speaker, or the like.

According to communication terminal device 10 of the present embodimentas described thus far, a situation where an outgoing call is made by theautomatic outgoing call function at the wrong time can be avoided byusing audio outputted from communication terminal device 10 as anindicator.

In the present embodiment, the configuration is such that an outgoingcall made by the automatic outgoing call function is not permitted in aperiod where audio is being outputted from communication terminal device10. However, rather than being limited to the output of audio,communication terminal device 10 may not permit outgoing calls to bemade by the automatic outgoing call function in cases where the user isusing a function where it is undesirable for the automatic outgoing callfunction to be implemented or a function that competes with theautomatic outgoing call function, such as a case where a voicetranslation function is being used, for example.

Sixth Embodiment

Communication terminal device 10 according to the present embodimentdiffers from the configurations of the above-described embodiments inthat the voice call partner specified when the orientation ordisplacement expressed by a predetermined orientation/displacementpattern was measured is varied depending on the occasion when thatmeasurement was taken. Configuration Example 1 to Configuration Example3 will be described hereinafter as examples of the configuration thepresent embodiment.

Configuration Example 1: Time-Based Condition

FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of call destinationtable 191A according to Configuration Example 1. As illustrated in FIG.16, call destination table 191A is a table in which a time-basedcondition, call destination information, and partner specifyingconditions are registered in association with each other. Here, thetime-based condition is divided into two groups based on the day of theweek, namely “Mon-Fri” (weekdays, Mon-Fri) and “Sat and Holidays”.Additionally, in call destination table 191A, voice call partner calldestination information that differs between the “Mon-Fri” and the “Satand Holidays” time-based conditions are associated with a single partnerspecifying condition. Here, with “orientation/displacement pattern PA”,call destination information for “partner A” is associated on “Mon-Fri”,whereas call destination information for “partner C” is associated on“Sat and Holidays”. Meanwhile, with “orientation/displacement patternPB”, call destination information for “partner B” is associated on“Mon-Fri”, whereas call destination information for “partner D” isassociated on “Sat and Holidays”. Partners A and B are people with whomthe user makes voice calls with comparatively frequently on weekdays,such as people at the user's workplace. Partners C and D are people withwhom the user makes voice calls with comparatively frequently on daysoff, such as friends.

In step S5, control unit 11 (specifying unit 114A) specifies the voicecall partner on the basis of the measured orientation and displacementand the point in time at which that orientation and displacement weremeasured (here, the day of the week of the measurement). Here, in thecase where an orientation and displacement expressing“orientation/displacement pattern PA” have been measured, control unit11 specifies “partner A” when that day is “Mon-Fri” and specifies“partner C” when that day is “Sat and Holidays”. Meanwhile, in the casewhere an orientation and displacement expressing“orientation/displacement pattern PB” have been measured, control unit11 specifies “partner B” when that day is “Mon-Fri” and specifies“partner D” when that day is “Sat and Holidays”. Control unit 11 thenexecutes the processing of step S6 and on so as to call the specifiedpartner.

Although a case where the specification is made using a time-basedcondition corresponding to a day of the week is described here, thespecification may be carried out using a time-based element aside fromthe day of the week, such as a time, a date, a month, or the like.Additionally, the time-based condition may be divided into three or moresegments.

According to Configuration Example 1 as described thus far,communication terminal device 10 can change the call destination of theautomatic outgoing call function in accordance with a time-basedcondition met when the user attempts to make a voice call. Byregistering the call destination information of partners with which theuser frequently makes voice calls when certain time-based conditions aremet in call destination table 191A, communication terminal device 10 canaccurately specify the partner with which the user is attempting to makea voice call.

Configuration Example 2: Location-Based Condition

FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of call destinationtable 191B according to Configuration Example 2. As illustrated in FIG.17, call destination table 191B is a table in which a location-basedcondition, call destination information, and partner specifyingconditions are registered in association with each other. Here, thelocation-based condition is divided into two groups, namely “workplace”and “non-workplace”. Information of the location-based condition isexpressed by latitude and longitude information, for example, but may beexpressed by other information instead. Additionally, in calldestination table 191B, voice call partner call destination informationthat differs between the “workplace” and the “non-workplace”location-based conditions are associated with a single partnerspecifying condition. Here, with the “orientation/displacement patternPA”, call destination information for “partner A” is associated for“workplace”, whereas call destination information for “partner C” isassociated for “non-workplace”. Meanwhile, with the“orientation/displacement pattern PB”, call destination information for“partner B” is associated for “workplace”, whereas call destinationinformation for “partner D” is associated for “non-workplace”. PartnersA and B are people with whom the user makes voice calls withcomparatively frequently during work, such as people at the user'sworkplace. Partners C and D are people with whom the user makes voicecalls with comparatively frequently outside of work, such as friends.

In step S5, control unit 11 (specifying unit 114A) specifies the voicecall partner on the basis of the measured orientation and displacementand the place (location) at which that orientation and displacement weremeasured. Control unit 11 specifies the location of its hostcommunication terminal device on the basis of, for example, apositioning function provided in communication terminal device 10 (aGlobal Positioning System (GPS) function, for example), a base stationpositioning function, or the like. Then, in the case where anorientation and displacement expressing “orientation/displacementpattern PA” have been measured, control unit 11 specifies “partner A” inthe case where the location at the point in time of those measurementsis “workplace”, and specifies “partner C” in the case where the locationat the point in time of those measurements is “non-workplace”.Meanwhile, in the case where an orientation and displacement expressing“orientation/displacement pattern PB” have been measured, control unit11 specifies “partner B” in the case where the location at the point intime of those measurements is “workplace”, and specifies “partner D” inthe case where the location at the point in time of those measurementsis “non-workplace”. Control unit 11 then executes the processing of stepS6 and on so as to call the specified partner.

Although a case where the workplace is specified as workplace ornon-workplace is described here, the location may be specified usinganother location-based element (position-based element), such as home ortravel destination. Additionally, the location-based condition may bedivided into three or more segments.

According to Configuration Example 2 as described thus far,communication terminal device 10 can change the call destination of theautomatic outgoing call function in accordance with a location-basedcondition met when the user attempts to make a voice call. Byregistering the call destination information of partners with which theuser frequently makes voice calls when certain location-based conditionsare met in call destination table 191B, communication terminal device 10can accurately specify the partner with which the user is attempting tomake a voice call.

FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of schedule data 192of the user of communication terminal device 10, which is stored instorage unit 19. Schedule data 192 is generated and stored on the basisof a scheduler executed by control unit 11. The scheduler is softwarefor managing a user's schedule. For example, for each event registeredby the scheduler (activity plans, for example), schedule data 192includes information of a date on which that event is to be carried out,people related to the event (participants and accompanying members, forexample), and the place where the event will be held.

In step S5, control unit 11 (specifying unit 114A) specifies the voicecall partner on the basis of the measured orientation and displacementand schedule data 192 of the user.

Here, consider a case where schedule data 192 in the upper section ofFIG. 18, in which a point in time at which an orientation anddisplacement expressing a predetermined orientation/displacement patternhave been measured or a date/time corresponding to a point in timewithin a predetermined period following the stated point in time isspecified, is stored. In this case, control unit 11 uses people relatedto the event as voice call partner candidates. Here, control unit 11uses partner A and partner D as voice call partner candidates. Then, forexample, control unit 11 specifies “partner A” in the case where anorientation and displacement expressing “orientation/displacementpattern PA” have been measured, and specifies “partner D” in the casewhere an orientation and displacement expressing“orientation/displacement pattern PB” have been measured.

Although control unit 11 specifies a correspondence relationship betweenthe orientation/displacement pattern and the people related to the eventon the basis of a user instruction, the correspondence relationship maybe specified through a different method.

The voice call partner may be specified using schedule data 192 throughthe following method. Note, however, that it is assumed that calldestination table 191B illustrated in FIG. 17 is also stored in storageunit 19.

Here, consider a case where schedule data 192 in the lower section ofFIG. 18, in which a point in time at which an orientation anddisplacement expressing a predetermined orientation/displacement patternhave been measured or a date/time corresponding to a point in timewithin a predetermined period following the stated point in time isspecified, is stored. In this case, control unit 11 specifies the voicecall partner on the basis of the place where the event will be held.Here, “workplace” is registered as the place where the event will beheld, and thus control unit 11 assumes the partner associated with thelocation-based condition “workplace” in call destination table 191B is aperson related to the event and takes that partner as a voice callpartner candidate. Then, for example, control unit 11 specifies “partnerA” in the case where an orientation and displacement expressing“orientation/displacement pattern PA” have been measured, and specifies“partner B” in the case where an orientation and displacement expressing“orientation/displacement pattern PB” have been measured.

According to Configuration Example 3 as described thus far,communication terminal device 10 can change the call destination of theautomatic outgoing call function in accordance with schedule data 192.In the case where a person related to an event registered by thescheduler is present, it is assumed to be comparatively likely that theuser will attempt to make a voice call with that person at the date/timewhen the event will be held or at a point in time near that date/time.As such, according to Configuration Example 3, communication terminaldevice 10 can accurately specify the partner with which the user wishesto make a voice call on the basis of schedule data 192.

Note that communication terminal device 10 may have two or more of theconfigurations described in Configuration Example 1 to ConfigurationExample 3.

Variations

The present invention can be carried out in other forms aside from thosein the above-described embodiments. The present invention can also becarried out in the following forms, for example. The variationsdescribed hereinafter may also be combined as appropriate.

Variation 1

Communication terminal device 10 may have a configuration realized bycombining the configurations according to two or more of theabove-described first to sixth embodiments.

Variation 2

Communication terminal device 10 may, in the automatic outgoing callfunction, detect an operation aside from the tap operation made by theuser.

For example, the operation carried out by the user using communicationterminal device 10 may be another operation of the user applying anexternal force on communication terminal device 10. For example, controlunit 11 may make an outgoing call under a condition where an operationof shaking communication terminal device 10 is detected usingaccelerometer 16 while the user is detected as being near. Additionally,the operation made by the user using communication terminal device 10may be an utterance made by the user. For example, control unit 11 maymake an outgoing call under a condition where a user utterance isdetected via microphone 14 while the user is detected as being near.

In this manner, communication terminal device 10 may make an outgoingcall using the automatic outgoing call function in the case where anoperation that is carried out in a state where the user can make a voicecall and is an operation aside from the operating unit being operated isdetected.

Variation 3

The condition for making an outgoing call using the automatic outgoingcall function is not limited to an operation performed by the user beingdetected.

For example, control unit 11 of communication terminal device 10 maymake an outgoing call in the case where communication terminal device 10is in an at-rest state continuously for a predetermined period from whenthe user's head area is detected as being near by proximity sensor 18 orfrom when the partner is specified. The at-rest state is a state inwhich a change in the orientation or the displacement of communicationterminal device 10 is not detected at all or is detected very little.Additionally, control unit 11 may make an outgoing call immediately upona voice call partner being specified.

Variation 4

Communication terminal device 10 may make an outgoing call in the casewhere an operation made by the user for instructing the outgoing callhas been received through an operating unit after a voice call partnerhas been specified. For example, upon a voice call partner beingspecified, control unit 11 of communication terminal device 10 displaysinformation of that partner using display unit 121. In the case wherethe user views this information display and a desired partner isspecified, the user performs an operation instructing an outgoing callto be made by using touch screen unit 12, for example. In this case aswell, it is not necessary for the user to perform an operation forspecifying the voice call partner, which lightens the operational burdenon the user as compared to a case where such an operation is necessary.

Additionally, control unit 11 may specify two or more voice callpartners and cause information of those partners to be displayed usingdisplay unit 121. In this case, the user performs an operation forspecifying a call destination partner from among the two or more voicecall partners that have been specified. In this case as well, theoperational burden on the user is lightened as compared to a case wherethe user performs an operation for specifying the voice call partnerusing an address book, for example.

Variation 5

Control unit 11 of communication terminal device 10 may carry outnotification processing by using a ringback tone as audio based on thevoice call partner. To that end, a switching system that generates theringback tone defines the ringback tone to be used in accordance with acombination of communication terminal device 10 that is the origin ofthe outgoing call and the partner. By specifying the combination ofcommunication terminal device 10 that is the origin of the outgoing calland the partner, the switching system generates a ringback tonecorresponding to that combination. Control unit 11 of communicationterminal device 10 outputs the ringback tone generated by the switchingsystem as audio via speaker 15. Through this, the period in which theuser waits for the partner's response can be used to understand who thepartner is.

Variation 6

Communication terminal device 10 may also be varied as describedhereinafter. Although the following describes a representative examplein which the present variation is applied in communication terminaldevice 10 according to the above-describe first embodiment, the presentvariation may be applied in communication terminal device 10 accordingto the second embodiment to the sixth embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a block diagram illustrating the functional configuration ofcontrol unit 11 in communication terminal device 10 according to thepresent variation. As illustrated in FIG. 19, in addition to thefunctions described above in the first embodiment, control unit 11implements a function corresponding to display control unit 114C invoice call control unit 114. In the case where it is detected that apredetermined operation has been carried out by the user usingcommunication terminal device 10, display control unit 114C causes apartner screen indicating a voice call partner to which an outgoing callis made using the automatic outgoing call function to be displayed indisplay unit 121. The partner screen is a screen indicating a partnerfor an outgoing call made by the automatic outgoing call function. Thepartner screen is displayed on the basis of information in calldestination table 191, for example. Although the predetermined operationis assumed to be an operation of shaking communication terminal device10 here, another operation, such as described in Variation 2, may beused instead. Additionally, it is assumed in the present variation thatthis operation is detected by operation detection unit 113.

Furthermore, in the case where the user's head area is detected as beingnear by proximity detection unit 112 during a display period of thepartner screen, outgoing call control unit 114B calls the calldestination specified on the basis of the orientation or displacementmeasured by measurement unit 111 during that display period. Torephrase, outgoing call control unit 114B does not permit this outgoingcall to be made outside of the screen display period of the partnerscreen. In the present variation, the period in which an outgoing callis permitted to be made by the automatic outgoing call function islimited to the screen display period of the partner screen.

FIGS. 20A and 20B are flowcharts illustrating processing pertaining tothe automatic outgoing call function executed by communication terminaldevice 10 according to the present variation.

First, control unit 11 determines whether or not an operation of shakingcommunication terminal device 10 has been detected using accelerometer16 (step S21 in FIG. 20A). In the case of a determination of “YES” instep S21, control unit 11 causes the partner screen to be displayed indisplay unit 121 (step S22).

FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating an example of the partner screen. Inpartner screen SC illustrated in FIG. 21, voice call partners aredisplayed in association with operations required for calling thosepartners using the automatic outgoing call function. Here, a messagereading “right ear—partner A” and “left ear—partner B” is displayed inpartner screen SC. Having viewed partner screen SC, the user can knowthe operation required to call the partner s/he desires.

Upon the partner screen being displayed in step S22, control unit 11advances the processing to step S1. Control unit 11 causes the partnerscreen to be displayed during the screen display period (five seconds,for example) comma and causes the display of the partner screen to beterminated outside the screen display period. Specifically, in the casewhere a determination of “NO” is made in step S2, the case where adetermination of “NO” is made in step S4, and the case where adetermination of “NO” is made in step S6, control unit 11 determineswhether or not the screen display period for the partner screen haspassed (step S23, S24, S25). Control unit 11 returns the processing tostep S1 in the case where a determination of “NO” is made in step S23,to step S4 in the case where a determination of “NO” is made in stepS24, and to step S6 in the case where a determination of “NO” is made instep S24. The length of the screen display period is a fixed value, forexample. In the case of a determination of “YES” in step S23, S24, orS25, control unit 11 ends the processing of FIG. 20.

The remaining processing pertaining to the automatic outgoing callfunction is the same as in the above-described first embodiment. Inother words, in the case where in the display period of the partnerscreen, it is determined whether or not that measured orientation anddisplacement me a condition occurring when the user holds communicationterminal device 10 in his/her hand (in other words, “YES” in step S2),and it is determined that the user's head area is detected as being nearby proximity sensor 18 (in other words, “YES” in step S4), control unit11 permits an outgoing call to be made by the automatic outgoing callfunction (in other words, permits the execution of the processing ofstep S8). Additionally, as described above, the partner screen isdisplayed in the case where the user has performed a predeterminedoperation using communication terminal device 10. As such, according tocommunication terminal device 10 of the present variation, thelikelihood of an outgoing call being erroneously made at a timing notintended by the user can be reduced.

In the present variation, control unit 11 may make the outgoing call instep S8 without performing the determination of step S6. Even in such acase, the partner screen serving as the condition for making an outgoingcall using the automatic outgoing call function is displayed in the casewhere the user performs the predetermined operation using communicationterminal device 10, and thus the likelihood that an outgoing call willbe erroneously made at a timing not intended by the user can be reduced.

Furthermore, control unit 11 may make the length of the screen displayperiod variable. For example, control unit 11 may use a length specifiedby a setting made by the user as the screen display period.Alternatively, control unit 11 may use a length based on a surroundingenvironment of communication terminal device 10 (or the user thereof) asthe screen display period. For example, in the case where a measurementresult from an illuminance sensor indicates that communication terminaldevice 10 is located in a relatively dark environment (for example, anilluminance is less than a threshold), control unit 11 sets the screendisplay period to be longer than in the case where communicationterminal device is located in a brighter environment (for example, theilluminance is greater than or equal to the threshold). This is becauseit is thought that in the case where the user is in a dark environment,it is more difficult to see the partner screen and thus more difficultto perform the operation required to make the outgoing call using theautomatic outgoing call function that in the case where the user is in abright environment. Additionally, on the basis of a setting for a sizeof text displayed in the screen, control unit 11 may make the screendisplay period longer in the case where the size is relatively large(for example, a size greater than or equal to a threshold) than in thecase where the size is smaller (for example, a size lower than thethreshold). This is because it is thought that in the case where thetext size is relatively large, the user is a comparatively older userand thus requires more time to perform the operation required to makeoutgoing call using the automatic outgoing call function, whereas in thecase where the text size is relatively small, the user is acomparatively younger user and thus does not require as much time toperform the operation required to make the outgoing call using theautomatic outgoing call function. Note that control unit 11 may vary thelength of the screen display period in accordance with other conditionsas well.

Variation 7

Configurations and operations described in the above embodiments may bepartially omitted.

Communication terminal device 10 may implement the automatic outgoingcall function on the basis of the orientation or displacement ofcommunication terminal device 10 itself. In this case, measurement unit111 measures the orientation or the displacement of communicationterminal device 10. In other words, communication terminal device 10 mayimplement the automatic outgoing call function on the basis of at leastone of the orientation and the displacement of communication terminaldevice 10 itself.

Communication terminal device 10 need not carry out the notificationprocessing when an outgoing call is made using the automatic outgoingcall function.

Communication terminal device 10 may cause proximity sensor 18 tooperate continuously while communication terminal device 10 is turnedon. Furthermore, the sensors provided in communication terminal device10 are merely examples.

Variation 8

Communication terminal device 10 is not limited to a smartphone, and maybe another mobile communication terminal device that carries outcommunication for voice calls, such as a featurephone. In such acommunication terminal device, a part held in the user's hand and usedis a transmitter/receiver for sending and receiving voice.

Variation 9

The communication terminal device according to the present invention canalso be applied in a communication terminal device that produces boneconduction sound expressing audio including received voice in the user'sbody, or in other words, in a communication terminal device including aspeaker that outputs bone conduction sound. This communication terminaldevice is configured such that the user can make a voice call even whenthe device is in contact with a part of the user's head area aside fromthe ear.

Additionally, the communication terminal device according to the presentinvention need not be a communication terminal device used while theuser holds the device in his/her hand during a voice call. Thecommunication terminal device according to the present invention may bewhat is known as a wearable terminal, such as a headphone type or anearphone type that is used while being worn on the user's head area.

Variation 10

The communication terminal device according to the present invention isnot limited to a mobile communication terminal device, and may be acommunication terminal device including a receiver, such as a fixed-type(installed-type) communication terminal. This communication terminaldevice includes, for example, a main telephone unit for carrying outcommunication for voice calls, and a receiver used while being held inthe user's hand for the purpose of a voice call. A telephone in whichthe main telephone unit and the receiver are connected by a cord (wired)and a cordless telephone in which the main telephone unit and thereceiver are connected wirelessly are examples of such a communicationterminal device.

The configuration and operations of the communication terminal deviceaccording to this variation can be described by reading the descriptionsof the above-described embodiments as follows: the orientation anddisplacement of communication terminal device 10 are read as anorientation and displacement of the receiver; communication terminaldevice 10 being near the user's head area is read as the receiver beingnear the user's head area; and an operation performed by the user usingcommunication terminal device 10 is read as an operation performed bythe user using the receiver.

Variation 11

The functions implemented by control unit 11 of communication terminaldevice 10 in the above-described embodiments can be implemented by acombination of a plurality of programs, or by a plurality of hardwareresources working cooperatively. In the case where the functions ofcontrol unit 11 are realized using programs, the programs may beprovided stored in a computer-readable recording medium such as amagnetic recording medium (magnetic tape, a magnetic disk (a Hard DiskDrive (HDD), a Flexible Disk (FD), or the like), an optical recordingmedium (an optical disk or the like), a magneto-optical recordingmedium, or a semiconductor memory; or may be distributed over a network.The present invention can also be understood as an outgoing call controlmethod.

DESCRIPTION OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

-   -   10 . . . communication terminal device    -   11 . . . control unit    -   111 . . . measurement unit    -   112 . . . proximity detection unit    -   113 . . . operation detection unit    -   114 . . . voice call control unit    -   114A . . . specifying unit    -   114B . . . outgoing call control unit    -   114C . . . display control unit    -   115 . . . notification processing unit    -   12 . . . touch screen unit    -   121 . . . display unit    -   121A . . . display region    -   122 . . . touch sensor    -   13 . . . wireless communication unit    -   14 . . . microphone    -   15 . . . speaker    -   16 . . . accelerometer    -   17 . . . gyrosensor    -   18 . . . proximity sensor    -   19 . . . storage unit    -   191, 191A, 191B . . . call destination table    -   192 . . . schedule data

What is claimed is: 1.-13. (canceled)
 14. A mobile communicationterminal device comprising: a specifying unit that specifies a voicecall partner; an outgoing call control unit that calls the specifiedpartner; a measurement unit that measures an orientation or adisplacement of the communication terminal device; and a proximitydetection unit that detects when a head area of a user is near thecommunication terminal device, wherein in the case where the head areais detected as being near, the specifying unit specifies the partner onthe basis of the orientation or displacement measured before the headarea was detected as being near or while the head area was detected asbeing near.
 15. The communication terminal device according to claim 14,wherein the specifying unit specifies the partner on the basis of achange over time in the measured orientation.
 16. The communicationterminal device according to claim 14, wherein the specifying unitspecifies the partner on the basis of the orientation measured at asingle point in time while the head area is detected as being near. 17.The communication terminal device according to claim 14, furthercomprising: an operation detection unit that detects a predeterminedoperation being made by the user using the communication terminaldevice, wherein the outgoing call control unit makes an outgoing call tothe specified partner in the case where the operation is detected. 18.The communication terminal device according to claim 17, wherein thespecifying unit specifies the partner on the basis of the measuredorientation or displacement and the operation detected while the headarea is detected as being near.
 19. The communication terminal deviceaccording to claim 14, further comprising: an operation detection unitthat detects a predetermined operation being made by the user using thecommunication terminal device; and a display control unit that, in thecase where a predetermined operation made using the communicationterminal device is detected, causes a partner screen indicating thepartner to be specified by the specifying unit to be displayed in adisplay unit, wherein in the case where the head area is detected asbeing near during a display period of the partner screen, the outgoingcall control unit makes an outgoing call to a call destination specifiedon the basis of an orientation or displacement measured during thedisplay period.
 20. The communication terminal device according to claim14, further comprising: a notification processing unit that makes anotification of the specified partner by outputting audio.
 21. Thecommunication terminal device according to claim 14, wherein in the casewhere the orientation or displacement meeting a predetermined conditionare measured after an outgoing call to the specified partner has beeninitiated, the outgoing call control unit terminates the outgoing call.22. The communication terminal device according to claim 14, wherein theoutgoing call control unit does not permit an outgoing call to be madeto the partner in a period when the communication terminal device inwhich the outgoing call control unit is included is outputting audio.23. The communication terminal device according to claim 14, wherein thespecifying unit varies the partner specified in the case where apredetermined orientation or displacement has been measured, inaccordance with a point in time when the measurement was made, alocation where the measurement was made, or schedule data of the user.24. A communication terminal device equipping a receiver, the devicecomprising: a specifying unit that specifies a voice call partner; anoutgoing call control unit that calls the specified partner; ameasurement unit that measures an orientation or a displacement of thereceiver; and a proximity detection unit that detects proximity of ahead area of a user to the receiver, wherein in the case where the headarea is detected as being near, the specifying unit specifies thepartner on the basis of the orientation or displacement measured beforethe head area was detected as being near or while the head area wasdetected as being near.
 25. An outgoing call control method for a mobilecommunication terminal device, the method comprising: a step ofspecifying a voice call partner; a step of measuring an orientation or adisplacement of the communication terminal device; and a step ofdetecting when a head area of a user is near the communication terminaldevice, wherein in the case where the head area is detected as beingnear, in the step of specifying, the partner is specified on the basisof the orientation or displacement measured before the head area wasdetected as being near or while the head area was detected as beingnear.
 26. A program for causing a computer of a mobile communicationterminal device to execute: a step of specifying a voice call partner; astep of measuring an orientation or a displacement of the communicationterminal device; and a step of detecting when a head area of a user isnear the communication terminal device, wherein in the case where thehear area is detected as being near, in the step of specifying, thepartner is specified on the basis of the orientation or displacementmeasured before the head area was detected as being near or while thehead area was detected as being near.